Anxiety

[Dilaw808]

I woke up with terrible anxiety.....even with these positive treatments. I hate it. My doctor said anxiety is a beast and one of the hardest and most resilient mental health issues. I still have hope, I just hate this so much. I just want it to go away. Much easier said than done

[Iloveart7]

I'm srr you are struggling! (((Hugs)))

[Dilaw808 in reply to Iloveart7]

Thank you!

[mydogs]

I know exactly how you feel I go to bed about 11pm around 3am I am awake churning stomach. Trembling crying and know I am in for another bad day,sometimes I feel like I am the only one who feels this way and like you I want to be happy again,but my friends on this site are always there to give me support,I hope we can get better and kick this torment back to hell.

[Dilaw808 in reply to mydogs]

It feels good to know others can relate. Sometimes that’s enough to take the edge of, sometimes I just have to revert to meds. I hate that. I hate the meds. They are maskers. But I guess sometimes necessary. I just want to be normal like other people. Or are we the normal ones and they are screwed up. Who knows.

[frank323]

Hi Dilaw808,

I posted the lyrics you liked couple days ago. It’s extremely tough, I know. As many people have mentioned on this forum, I’m trying to follow the Claire weekes teachings of acceptance. And trying to remind myself that my thinking must be exaggerated and predicting the worst . Trying to be more patient and see how things work out. And really trying not to get caught up in the thinking that all is going to fall apart. I also upped Zoloft from 50mg to 100 and it just may be helping to keep me calmer. But got to get back to exercising ... every source says exercising is very important. Just offer up these ideas and perspectives to hopefully help you.

[Dilaw808 in reply to frank323]

You are so right about exercising. I used to be a personal trainer, stop but still worked out every day. It does help. I had a hard year health wise and so did my husband. I am better but sometimes it comes flooding back. I take clonipin for my anxiety. Maybe I cut down too much. I don’t know. It’s been a day where it comes and goes. I just want to be better. Simple, unburdened by all this negative crap, and pain. I don’t believe we were meant to spend life where suffering is the majority of your life. I don’t know if I am making sense. I just need a knew day and a restart.

[frank323 in reply to Dilaw808]

Making sense to me. I take klonopin too ... just bumped up to .5 mg at a time. Once a day, sometimes 2x. What dosage do you take and how often daily?

[Dilaw808 in reply to frank323]

My doctor has written 1 mg three times a day. I’ve gone down quite a bit since I started this new treatment. The nurses there have told me to still take my meds and I am. I still take my Wellbutrin, and gabapentin as needed. I am down to clonipin one or twice a day. I have been prescribe so much I just wanted to try to take less and be better. The nurses, several of them, have told me that as it is I have cut down on enough. To take my clonipin. So maybe it’s self induce? I just don’t want to take so much. You take .5. I take 1mg up to three times a day. I just want to not rely on meds too much and heal. Maybe too much too soon? So I feel like a fool. Cause maybe I have done this. But since I started this treatment I have had days with zero anxiety. Oh I don’t know. Maybe I should not cut down so much. I’m just trying to deal with stuff finally. I’m confused at this very moment.

[Dilaw808 in reply to frank323]

I just took a clonipin and some gabapentin. I think I am rushing things and not being patient and kind to myself. It’s just so easy to fall into a dark hole. And it can happen so fast. I need to be patient. Thank you for your reply. It helped me to remember what has been said to me and take some of the pressure of killing the anxiety ASAP away. There is even healing in understanding that. Thank you so much @frank323. I’m so grateful for your post.

[frank323 in reply to Dilaw808]

I understand the concern about taking too much meds ... and for me I don’t believe meds are the complete answer. But I do believe they help and can be part of the solution. No doubt we need to rely on hopefully good advice from the professionals we see. I’m thinking the patient part is key ... it takes time to break free from fear and negative thoughts ... not that we will be completely free from them

[Dilaw808 in reply to frank323]

Makes so much sense. And I feel so much better now. In due time. I am making a lot of positive changes. I can’t think that everything will change overnight. I genuinely appreciate your words. And the lyrics to your beautiful song. I am so grateful for this site. 😍

[M-Ann]

I have anxiety, i wake up some nights having a hard time breathing, its really hard! 4months now dealing with it, been practicing my breathing and focus on breathing only, reduce 30 percent of my anxiety. i try to relax more and think positive..

[Want2BHappy3]

Your doctor is correct, I've been dealing with this off and on for about 36 years. A couple of years ago I had to retire early from my job because of it, it's made my life a Mess. I was in no position to do that cause I had a lot of debt I ended up filing for bankruptcy and now half my savings is gone. No one will hire me because of my age. My landlord is raising my rent like Crazy, I can't afford to live here anymore. I haven't been able to go to counseling cause I can't afford it. So hang in there

[BoxerLola143 in reply to Want2BHappy3]

Wow! I totally relate. I’m 56 years old and have been battling anxiety and depression since I was about 8. I’ve gone through so much of what you’ve described. Thankfully I am at a new job that is healthy for me and pays decently, but not enough for me to even live in a studio apartment in a decent neighborhood. It’s a constant struggle without health insurance and having to pay everything cash. I feel for you. We gotta keep trying.💌

[Want2BHappy3 in reply to BoxerLola143]

Yea we do, do you live in the USA? Maybe You can apply for Obama Care?

[BoxerLola143 in reply to Want2BHappy3]

Thanks! Actually just signed up for me and my kids yesterday. Thank goodness!

[Want2BHappy3 in reply to BoxerLola143]

That's great, good luck

[efishman in reply to Want2BHappy3]

i lost my job from having bad anxiety. i struggle with it daily. my body doesn't respond to any meds except benzos. my dr won't prescribe them because they are addicting. i was on xanax got addicted and had to go to detox

[Want2BHappy3 in reply to efishman]

Hi sorry for that, I had to retire early because I was close to being terminated, because of my anxiety so I know how you feel. Along with that, I was heavily in debt and had to file bankruptcy. SSI couldn't pay my bills. So I'm also Living off my savings. My rent keeps going up, moving going to be difficult because of the bankruptcy.

[Calm_mama]

Your doc is mistaken. Anxiety is highly treatable and so many people recover. Depending upon the study you look at and the specific focus, (ie- Paxil for the treatment of SAD in adolescents, CBT for the treatment of GAD in adults, etc) SSRI's can have up to 70% effectiveness (bringing symptoms into remission) in treating anxiety, and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) can have up to 75% effectiveness. Other meds and med combos can contribute to success. Combine the right meds WITH the right therapy, deal with other issues in your life, add social support (one of the strongest predictors for recovery) by surrounding yourself with loving, supportive people (or coming here!), take care of yourself in general (avoid drugs, alcohol, get some exercise) and there is a recipe for HUGE success with anxiety recovery.

This all takes awhile. Finding a med that helps can take a while. Finding a good therapist (who is affordable!) can take a while and then the therapy itself can take some time to help you in the recovery process.

Dr. Claire Weekes offers free CBT. Her books and audio are filled with education about anxiety as well as coaching to change behavior. Changes in behavior support the changes in thinking. Free CBT. Some of her stuff is on my profile.

One step towards recovery that you can take right now: Disregard what your doc said

[Shutterbug65]

I know the feeling. I wake up with horrible anxiety everyday. I envy those who can just sleep in on the weekends. I toss and turn and the longer I stay in bed the worse my anxiety becomes. I just wish I could turn off my mind.

[Orangesocks33-]

I get nauseous in the am thinking of the day ahead , I recently switched from celexa 40mg was on for 20 years and now on Zoloft 50mg the transition is killer but if I want a change you have to try right ...I also take klonopin. 5 2-3 times a day you can always reach other to me anyone here who is struggling bc I feel people who don’t have it don’t understand at all

[Lilly5]

Besides taking your medication go online and try to find natural things. Look for Dr. Kelly Brogan online, she is a psychiatrist but has knowledge of many natural things. Dr. Daniel Amen is also a psychiatrist and he has done many shows on PBS. You can get their books at the library if you can't buy them. I hope this helps.

[Dilaw808 in reply to Lilly5]

I will look all of that up and read or listen. I like ready about my treatments and meds or possible treatments or meds. It helps me to understand what I am taking or being treated with and possible options. I think it’s best to have as many options as you possibly can. I think it brings on hope, of course you have to be in the right mind and ready to face things and deal with things. Having the smallest amount of hope can grow to an enormous amount. My current treatment has made my anxiety less, depression a little better, ptsd almost gone, pain has diminished tremendously. It’s just the anxiety still can creep up and attack me. I have tried a lot of meds. My doctor says I’m almost out of options. And the newer meds are soooo expensive and I don’t have a positive outcome with them. I’ve tried ECT, different kind of mindfulness therapies, meditation, art and music therapy. I’m almost done with this treatment. Then I’m going to do EMDR. Just don’t know if I will go in-patient at a place up in the mountains and get away or do it out-patient. I have to talk to my main doctor when I am done with my current one and then decide. But I promised her I would so I am going to. It’s just a battle, a constant battle.....for sleep, happiness, positive thinking, and so on. Sometimes it’s too much. I get tired and just want to say forget. I am damaged goods. What’s the point. You know what I mean?

[Lilly5 in reply to Dilaw808]

The doctors I told you about are really good and don't rely on prescriptions unless they are really necessary. Sometimes changing your diet helps a lot. Getting rid of gluten not because you are allergic but just sensitive to it maybe can help. There's a book called "The anti-anxiety food solution" by Trudy Scott. She also has a website. Look her up. A world of hope will be open to you just by reading about the 3 people I have suggested.

[Kevin160]

I know that its hard , as you see we all have our problems , but i think sometimes applying the theory that you attract what you think of really works , stress and anxiety sucks but accepting the problems and not ignoring your feeling , not trying to forget the fact that you have a problem will make it more bearable until it gets easier , also knowing that i have it better than many people makes me calmer , scary thoughts can creep in on people , it does on me all the time wher i find myself thinking of things so unrealistic and panicking if they were to come true , but at the end u will reach a point where u think of anxiety as a part of your life not all of it as it doesnt define u , we will get through this , i know we will , because the problems will never go away and they will not become smaller , but we get stronger and they become easier to deal with ..i convince myself that and over the course of a few weeks i still have anxiety but i stopped having panic attacks , my bp doesnt rise as high when im stressed , you can try hypnosis or psycological suggestion where you say sentences and convince yourself they are true and things start happening accordingly , for example when repeating the sentence “things will improve” or “im strong to deal” you will start building your confidence over a period of time to dtart believing that things will turn out fine . Good luck i really hope you feel better and that i helped in same way or form.

[Dilaw808 in reply to Kevin160]

Thank you. You reminded me of a few things I need to start doing again. You are so right. I really appreciate your words. They are like gold.

[laxma]

I do can relate. I welcomed anxiety into my life two years ago when I got sick and my dad passed. It was like a tornado. Prior I was a workout freak. I raced triathlon finishing two Ironman races and other distances. Loved my work and was social. I now get anxiety every morning and throughout the day. My med of choice is Xanax. It still has not allowed me to go back to gym but I know that will help. I walk and do some light weights at home before I go to bed and that helps me sleep. In the morning when I wake and my head turns on I pray and then think about happy things in my life past and present. Also do a lot of journaling. Think of how strong you are. As a personal trainer you had to push yourself everyday and you did it so think positive and say I am stronger then this and you will see slow but positive steps. As you can see we all have some form of anxiety some a bit worse then otherobut we can make everyday better when we work at it.

All my support

[Dilaw808 in reply to laxma]

So true. Thanks for those words. I can’t wait to get back in the gym again. But when I am ready. I don’t want to rush into it.

[Ollyvie]

Hello Dilaw,

Am sorry you are dealing with this issue. I know it’s not easy but want you to know that you are not alone and don’t have to go through all by yourself. I like your attitude of hopefulness in you. If you have survived it up to this time then you’ve got what it takes to deal with this. I pray and hope it goes away as you are wishing too. One of the things I do most of the time is to talk myself out of my fears and emotions, it has been helpful. I try to listen to inspirational and motivational podcast as well. We have to try and win all life battles and challenges in our mind first, then it empowers us to overcome our challenges. I pray you find peace in these moment.

Hugs from me

[Dilaw808 in reply to Ollyvie]

Thank you. I pray so much. But listening to inspirational podcast I have yet to do. I listen to calming, relaxing, and inspirational music, but when I am in the throes of it, it feels like I can’t remember anything that would help. I think I have a better hold on it now. This site has helped, but sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, it will be back. So I appreciate you reply to me, it gave me some things to ponder on. ❤️

[Ollyvie in reply to Dilaw808]

I know what you mean dear, at the point it feels like you cannot even remember and apply all that you have read or heard off. I have print of customizes bible verses, inspirational quotes and posted in my bathroom. It looks crazy but i made it a habit to read them when i bush my teeth or anytime am in the bathroom. I have motivational words in all cabinet in the bathroom. I wanted to read them over and over until its sank deep in my head and heart. Even the screen saver on my phone is " Be Still know that I am God. Any time I pick my phone that what i see first. A reminder that am not alone and that God is with me. He will see me through this too.

Just one step at a time. Praying with you

[Dilaw808 in reply to Ollyvie]

I had stuff written on my mirror but wiped it all away when I thought I was getting better. I like your idea of bombarding yourself with positivity. That’s what I will try.

Thank you ❤️

Diane

[Ollyvie]

You are welcome. When ever you have the time you can (bit.ly/2U0Uduo ) listen this interview.Its has been helpful to me.

[Dilaw808 in reply to Ollyvie]

Will do!! Thank you so much

[efishman]

anxiety sure is a beast. i have it everyday. it is relentless

last night i didn't sleep at all the anxiety is so bad that I don't even feel tired.

[Dilaw808 in reply to efishman]

I feel you. How long has it been since you haven’t had sleep. Going too long is not good for yourself. Like physically. Well it’s not good in any way. I would go 2-3 days without sleep. I was a disaster. One time I went 6 or 7 days and I had to be hospitalized. They got me to sleep two hours, with meds, and then I woke up. I was there for two weeks. At the end I think I got up to three hours then wake up, read or color and then go back to sleep for another two or three. They shoved mindfulness and meditation down my throat. It was so hard for me. But then I finally gave in and drank their koolaid. It worked for some time after I was released but I suffered another trauma and some serious health issues and I fell back. Mindfulness and meditation is not easy. To be honest I am not doing it now. This other treatment really helped. But maybe try the guided ones. The short ones. Two or five minutes. Even just a short cat nap or relaxation can help. Seriously, I’m so sorry. So so sorry. I wish I could be where you are and help you. Not that I am an expert but having people around that can relate help. There is a guy on here who posted a lot of short amazing statements and suggestions. I think like 45 minutes ago. Find them and read them. They are amazing. I followed him.